S&W 500

[Raptor3000]

Hi,

Planning on buying a S&w 500 revolver in 8 3/8 inch, I just like the behemoth size of the gun but intimidated with the recrecoil. Never shot anything other than 9mm and 45acp.

Is the recoil really bad with lighter loads? Please advice.

Thanks

[Spyder]

May as well go BFR in 444 Marlin or 45-70. Cowboy load 45-70 is pretty tame.

[D.A.V.I.D.]

They’re not really fun to shoot, a novelty gun in my opinion.

[Hairball]

They are fine. I find a 44 mag more unpleasant to shoot than my 500. If you plan on shooting one on a regular basis, reloading is the best option with this caliber. I mostly stick with 350 or 500 grain.

[Tarmy]

Hand cannons are fun, for a few shots. 44 magnums hurt the most if you ask me. If you want on, try a friends first if they have some various types for you to get a feel for the various guns and recoils they produce with different types of loads.

[IVC]

I have four X-frames, two 500s and two 460s. The recoil is stout, but not nearly as bad as people expect. Lock your wrists, let the gun push your whole arms up, use your shoulders to transfer the recoil to the body weight. Don't forget, they also come with massive compensators.

A much harder and unpleasant gun to shoot would be a .357 ultralight J-frame. I'll let novices shoot 500, but I won't let anyone shoot the full power out of 360PD.

[IVC]

Separately, if you're not set on 500, consider also a 460. It's very similar power and recoil, but you can shoot 454 Casull and 45 Colt (45 LC) without modifications. That way, if you don't like the recoil or the cost of 460, you can plink with 45 Colt and it feels like .22.

[Notpc]

The first few times you shoot your new 500, only load one round........

[Capybara]

I'd never talk someone out of buying a gun but I would borrow or rent one and put a few rounds through it before buying one, if you haven't already. They are really fun for a few rounds and then you put it away and shoot something more practical. With the cost of ammo, even if reloading for any of these hand cannons, they are all relegated to a novelty gun IMHO.

If that's what you want, go for it but there is a reason that there are always plenty of used hand cannons on the market with one cyclinder worth of ammo having ever been shot through it. I like IVCs recommendation, much more practical. .45 LC is a fun caliber and you can modulate your level of fun easily in reloading and it's easy to reload for.

[Raptor3000]

I'd never talk someone out of buying a gun but I would borrow or rent one and put a few rounds through it before buying one, if you haven't already. They are really fun for a few rounds and then you put it away and shoot something more practical. With the cost of ammo, even if reloading for any of these hand cannons, they are all relegated to a novelty gun IMHO.

If that's what you want, go for it but there is a reason that there are always plenty of used hand cannons on the market with one cyclinder worth of ammo having ever been shot through it. I like IVCs recommendation, much more practical. .45 LC is a fun caliber and you can modulate your level of fun easily in reloading and it's easy to reload for.

You guys are right, its just a novality gun. I will wait for some good used gun deal in classified.

How's the recoil of 44 special on SW 629 6 inch barrel?

Thanks

[TKM]

The pipewrench model is just goofy.

The 4 and 5 inch models can actually be carried.

Reloading makes the 500 fun. 500 Special is still pretty damn special.

You can load multiple 50 balls on a wee bit of Unique or indulge in 700 grain nonsense.

[DaveInOroValley]

Have one, same model, they are very fun to shoot but feeding a bit pricey especially if you get something like the 700 grain Underwood offering. Hornady runs about 2.00 a round and shoots great.

Not for a novice to try and even if you're ready for it as recommended load only one round at first to avoid any accident. I personally was really surprised at the accuracy of it when I first shot it.

https://rumble.com/v3xbpwh-my-first-three-shots-with-my-new-s-and-w-500-magnum.html

[Raptor3000]

Is colt anaconda a better choice? I can shoot 44 specials..

[splithoof]

Is colt anaconda a better choice? I can shoot 44 specials..

Sounds like you are in need of a trip to a rental range to try out a few sidearms. I would advise (IMHO) to spend a little now to avoid spending too much later on something you do not like, cannot shoot well, or cannot afford ammunition for.
Once you settle on something you have actually tried out, consider how you are going to source good ammunition. The larger calibers that you have expressed interest in are a bit expensive to use enough to become proficient with. All of them can be used a lot more by reloading your own ammunition. You will also be able to create loads that are easier to shoot, and can be custom tailored for your particular weapon.
I have learned all of the above through trial and error, and spent a considerable sum in doing so. It is what it is.
Have fun!

[plumbum]

Separately, if you're not set on 500, consider also a 460. It's very similar power and recoil, but you can shoot 454 Casull and 45 Colt (45 LC) without modifications. That way, if you don't like the recoil or the cost of 460, you can plink with 45 Colt and it feels like .22.

I second this - the .460 is genuinely useful; the .500 is just for marketing